Turn on the television on any given day and you will see news of terrorist group activity. It might be at a movie theater, a restaurant, a school, a business, a marathon or even a church building. This can lead one to think there is no safe place in this world. Just taking care of one’s day to day responsibilities can end in tragedy. This may make one feel insecure, lost and nervous. Where can we go from harm? Where can we find a safe place?
We can find safety in God Almighty. When we are afraid, we must go to God. When we are unsure of our future, we must go to God. Psalm 46:1-2 refers to God as our refuge. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” This is such a reassuring Scripture to the Christian! It reminds us that the Creator of the earth and mountains is in control. He is our refuge. God will be present despite whatever comes our way. Psalm 46:10 states, “Be still and know that I am God.” This reminds Christians there is no need for panic, no need for anxiety and no need to get upset; be still, be calm. He is God and is in full control. What comfort! What a feeling of safety and security!
We can find safety in God because He is our Shelter. My first grade child is learning at school about the basic needs of life verses wants. The list of basic needs are food, water and shelter. Webster’s 9th New Collegiate Dictionary defines shelter as, “a position or the state of being covered and protected” (1085). God in His wisdom inspired David, the writer of Psalm 61:3, to refer to God as his Shelter – a basic necessity of life. “For you have been a shelter for me. A strong tower from the enemy.” V.J. Charlesworth and Ira D. Sankey have combined their talents to create the well-known song, “A Shelter in Time of Storm.” “The Lord’s our Rock, In Him we hide, Secure whatever ill be tide. A shade by day, defense by night, no fears alarm, no foes affright… A shelter in the time of storm.” The metaphor of calling God a Shelter delineates the idea that God is there to cover us and keep us from harm. Those of us who are parents can easily understand this metaphor. Imagine you are with your child and suddenly danger is present. What do you do? As a parent, you put yourself on top of your child, covering him or her with your body in order to protect your child from harm. The same goes for God with His children. He is our Shelter. Jesus, in Matthew 23:37, conveyed the same message. “How often I wanted to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.”
Lastly, we can find safety in God because He keeps us in His shadow. “This word has often the rare meaning of a shelter” (Cruden 588). Psalm 17:8 is a prayer of David. David, through the inspired pen of God, wrote, “Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.” This metaphor gives me a picture of an eagle spreading wings over her young. When we are in the shadow of God’s protection, we are covered, protected, sheltered and safe. Again, in Psalm 91:1-4 we read, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God in Him I will trust. Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers and under His wings you shall take refuge.’”
Christians can find great comfort and consolation through these words of God. In times of insecurity, we can be certain that God is with us. Scripture tells us that God is our Refuge, our Shelter and He keeps us in His shadow. I can’t think of a safer place to be!
Works Cited
Cruden, Alexander. Cruden’s Complete Concordance to the Old and New Testaments. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1988.
“Shelter.” Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield: Merriam Webster, 1986.
Works Consulted
Pfeiffer, Charles F. and Everett F. Harrison. Eds. Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Chicago: Moody, 1962.
